Real Madrid vs Villarreal Predictions

• Both teams have scored in seven of Villarreal’s eight matches this season
• Real Madrid have won all three of their home league games this term
• The hosts have only shut out bottom side Malaga so far

Real have ground to make up

Real Madrid fell to a 2-1 defeat at city rivals Atletico in their last league game, leaving them six points shy of leaders Barcelona. Jose Mourinho’s side have work to do, and they need to dispatch a Villarreal side that has improved following their early struggles.

The Yellow Submarine failed to win their first five league games, before claiming victories over Malaga and Levante. Both teams have scored in six of the visitors’ seven matches, while they lost 3-2 in their Champions League opener against Borussia Dortmund.

Real have been comfortable at home this season, putting four goals past Real Sociedad, Malaga and Rayo Vallecano. However, bottom-side Malaga are the only team they’ve shut out this season.

Villarreal finished third last term despite losing all but one of their visits to the rest of the top eight, and this team looks to have taken a step back following manager Marcelino’s summer departure. However, Real’s lack of clean sheets suggests the visitors can get on the scoresheet.